Outbuilding manufacturer coming to Erwin

ERWIN — The nation’s leading manufacturer of residential outbuildings is coming to Erwin.

Old Hickory Buildings and Statesville Barn Company have announced plans to open a manufacturing facility and retail outlet center in Erwin’s Riverview Industrial Park by the end of this year.

Based in Statesville, N.C., the company operates more than 40 manufacturing sites around the country and selected Erwin for its first venture into Northeast Tennessee earlier this year.

According to a press release issued by the company and the Joint Economic Development Board of Unicoi County, Statesville Barn Company anticipates investing up to $3 million dollars in the property and employing 20 workers its first year.

Outbuildings manufactured at the site will be sold to the public from an onsite retail dealership designed to serve a four-state area. The targeted opening date for the plant and retail outlet is late summer or early fall.

Josh Linder, general manager of the new Erwin plant said in a press release, “I am excited to bring our business into a community like Erwin. We look forward to providing jobs for hometown people and serving the community and surrounding areas.”

JEDB Executive Director Tyler Engle said the board is very pleased to have Old Hickory and Statesville Barn in Unicoi County.

“The economic development board is glad to partner with companies to help them have the greatest possible degree of success when they choose our community for their project,” Engle said.

According to the press release, the Riverview Industrial Park site was considered a prime location for the company because of its proximity to Interstate 26.

The site has sat vacant for nearly two years as a result of the CSX rail yard closure.

News of Statesville Barn’s new operations in Erwin came on the heels of last week’s announcement that British kayak-maker Pyranha is moving its North American distribution facility from Asheville, North Carolina, to Erwin.

According to the JEDB, the Pyranha distribution center will be located on the former Cherokee Adventures site next to the Nolichucky River on Tennessee Highway 107. Pryana anticipates investing $1 million and bringing eight to 10 new jobs to Erwin.